CA1083489A - Touch button switch for dictation handset - Google Patents
Touch button switch for dictation handsetInfo
- Publication number
- CA1083489A CA1083489A CA299,361A CA299361A CA1083489A CA 1083489 A CA1083489 A CA 1083489A CA 299361 A CA299361 A CA 299361A CA 1083489 A CA1083489 A CA 1083489A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- voltage
- contact surface
- dictation
- response
- input
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/02—Casings; Cabinets ; Supports therefor; Mountings therein
- H04R1/04—Structural association of microphone with electric circuitry therefor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
- H03K17/96—Touch switches
- H03K17/962—Capacitive touch switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/10—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with dictation recording and playback systems
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
"TOUCH BUTTON SWITCH FOR DICTATION HANDSET"
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A handset for use in connection with a dictate station in a dictation system. The handset has a plurality of control switches which are operable to initiate control functions in the dictation recorder merely by touching the control buttons and without the need for exerting any pressure on the buttons. In this manner, a dictation recorder may be operated in the record, playback or reverse modes of operation merely by touching the control buttons on the handset. The contact made by the operator of the dictate station with the control buttons completes an electrical circuit which, as a result of the body resistance of the operator, alters the voltage levels within the electrical circuit. The altered voltages are compared with reference voltages to provide a control output when the comparison indicates that the voltage level in the electrical circuit has been altered by the interposition of the body resistance of the operator into the circuit.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A handset for use in connection with a dictate station in a dictation system. The handset has a plurality of control switches which are operable to initiate control functions in the dictation recorder merely by touching the control buttons and without the need for exerting any pressure on the buttons. In this manner, a dictation recorder may be operated in the record, playback or reverse modes of operation merely by touching the control buttons on the handset. The contact made by the operator of the dictate station with the control buttons completes an electrical circuit which, as a result of the body resistance of the operator, alters the voltage levels within the electrical circuit. The altered voltages are compared with reference voltages to provide a control output when the comparison indicates that the voltage level in the electrical circuit has been altered by the interposition of the body resistance of the operator into the circuit.
Description
~01~3~9 TOUCH BUTTON SWITCH FO~ DICTATION ~ANDSET
.
BACKGROUND OF THE INyENT~ON .
The present invention relates to dictation systems com-prising a dictation recorder and a dictate station, and more particularly to control switch mechanisms for providing control outputs at the dictate station to control the dictation recorder.
Generally, modern dictation systems include a dictation recorder and a-t least one dictate station. The dictate sta-tions are often located remotely from the dictation recorder. There-fore, each dictate station in the dictation system must be pro-vided a set of controls with which to control the operation of the dlctation recorder while the operator at the dictate station is recording.
The initiation of control inputs at the dictate station have generally been accomplished by the operation of mechanical switches. The mechanical switches tend to fatigue the operator during the dictation of lengthy material since they often require the constant application of pressure to keep the switch closed.
Additionally, the mechanical switches may be expensive, add in-creased weight to the handset and be prone to malfunction as a re-sult of excessive wear or the presence of foreign materials, such as dust or dirt, in the switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ~ :
The present invention replaces the mechanical control -~
switches of the prior art dictate stations with electrical contact switches on the handset. Thus, it is one object of the present invention to provide a control switching circuit which does not include mechanical switches, but is electrically responsive to the touch of the operator at the dictate station.
." .. . . . . . .
10~334~9 The invention in one broad aspect pertains to a dicta-tion system including a dictation recorder having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation and a dictate station from which the dictation recorder can be controlled by an operator.
The improved control system includes first input switch means haviny a first contact surface and a second contact surface elec-trically isolated from the first contact surface for pro~viding a first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of the operator between the first contact surface and the second contact surface., Second input switch means are provided which have a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface elec-trically isolated from the thlrd contact surface for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of the operator between the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface. First comparator means provide a first digital signal in response to the first input voltage and second com-parator means provide a second digital signal in response to the second input voltage. Decoder driver means operatively inter-connect with the first comparator means and the second comparator means and the dictation recorder for placing the dictation recorder in the first mode of operation in response to the first digital signal, for placing the dictation recorder in the second mode of operation in response to the,second digital signal and for rendering the dictation recorder inoperative in response to the concurrent presence of the first digital signal and the second digital signal.
The control switch apparatus of the invention does not fatigue the operator over extended periods of operation, is small in size and weight, and is not prone to malfunction because,of 0 either excessive wear or the presence of foreign materials, such ,. ~
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. -.. , . . , . .. ... . .. . .... . ~ . .. . ... . .
- 10~3~4~19 as dust or dirt, in the switch apparatus.
These and other objects and advantages of the presellt invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the touch button control switch apparatus;
Fig. 2 is a side view of a handset incorporating a first alternative embodiment of the touch button control switch ;:
apparatus;
Fig. 3 is a top view of a handset incorporating the .
. first alternative embodiment of the touch button control switch .
apparatus; and Fig. 4 is a.section view of a touch button des.cribed in connection with a second alternative embodiment of the touch .
button control switch apparatus. . -DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
.
The alternative embodiments of the present invention use a variety of -touch-sensitive control buttolls.
~"`` ' ' ~ .
.
. .
',. . ''". " ' '". ' . '.' ',':'' ': . ', :' 4~9 _ In general, the touch-sQnsitive control buttons are constructed of two separate contact surfaces ~hich are I separated from each other by an insulative material. Each ¦ of the contact surfaces is electrically connected to an ¦ electrical control circuit, a p.eferred embodiment of which I will be described more fully below. Tne toucn-sensitive ¦ control buttons are operated by the electrical connection of a conductor having a limi.ed internal resistance between the t~70 contact surfaces of the touch-sensitive control button. In this manner the touch-sensitive control button may be operated by the touching of the two contact surfaces ¦ by an operator. The body of the operator acts as a~
! conductor having a limited internal resistance and it ¦ provides an electrical connection bet~een the t~o contact ¦ surfaces of the touch-sensitive control button. ~`
¦ Reerring -first to the alternative types of ¦ touch-sensitive control buttons and the alternative methods of mounting the touch-sensitive control buttons on the I handset, Figs. 2 and 3 sho~ side and top vie~s of a handset 20 for a dictate station. A plurality of indentations 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a and 23b are shown in Figs. 2 ~and 3.
Centrally located in each of the indentations is one o the contact surfaces 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b, respectively. The contact surfaces are each surrounded by a collar or sleeve of insulative material 28a, 28b, 29a, 29b, 30a and 30~, respectively. As will be more fully described below, a second contact surEace 27 may provide a common second contact sur~ace for all of the touch-sensitive con-rol tUttons 2~a, 2~'.b, 25a, 25b, 26D e~nd ~1 !l :`-,, . ~
. .
.
I1 108;~4~;19 i ¦l 2~b. The function o~ each of these touch-sensitive control buttons will be described more fully belo~.
Referring notJ to Fig. 4, an alternative l e~bodiment of the touch-sensitive control ~uttons is shown.
In the alternative embodiment of the touch-sensitlve ¦ control button, each o, the touch-sensitive control buttons has a sepaeate second contact surface and no common second contact surface is provided. Thus, each touch-sensitive control button has a central core 40 made from a conductive material surrounded by a sleeve 41 of insulative material~
The central core conductor 40 provides the first contact surface for the touch-sensitive control button. Surrounding the insulating sleeve 41 is a second sleeve 42 which is made of a conductive material and which provides the second ~5 contact surface for the touch-sensitive control button.
With reference to Fig. 2, the touch-sensitive control buttons, whether of the design shown in Fig. 2 or of the design shown in Fig. 4, which are located in the indentations 21a and 21b are the touch-sensitive control 20 I buttons which provide a reverse control signal to the dictation recorder 120. The touch-sensitive control buttons located in the indentations 25a and 25b are the touch-sensitive control buttons which cause a listen control output to be provided to the recorder 120. The 25 l touch-sensitive control buttons located in indentation 23a and 23b (not shown) are the touch-sensitive control buttons which provide a record or dictate control output to the dictation recorder 120. It will be understood by those ¦ skilled in the art that the operator of a dictate system at . 11 .' ' ;'' '. "'' ,, .
1, , .' ~~0834a9 _ I a remote dictate station may be provided wi.h the ¦~ capability for controlling a plurality o~ functions other I than those described above. The present invention is not ¦ limited to control of the normal functions, but ma~ be used ¦ to provide a control output from a dictate station for all ¦ of the many ~unctions and capabilities of a modern ¦ dictation system. These ~unctions and capabilities ¦ include, but are not limited to, intercom functions and the ¦ recording of instruction marks and end of dictation marks.
¦The touch-sensitive control buttons located i~
I each OL the indentations are electrically connected in ¦ parallel so that the operation of either of the ¦ touch-sensitive control buttons associated with a particular function control output will cause the desired control output. Therefore, with reference to the ¦ touch-sensitive control button inputs 24, ?5 and 26 shown in the sc'nematic diagram oE Fig. 1, the inputs from the ¦ first contact surfaces of the touch-sellsitive control ~buttons 2ga, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b related to each I particular func~ion will be simply represented as inputs
.
BACKGROUND OF THE INyENT~ON .
The present invention relates to dictation systems com-prising a dictation recorder and a dictate station, and more particularly to control switch mechanisms for providing control outputs at the dictate station to control the dictation recorder.
Generally, modern dictation systems include a dictation recorder and a-t least one dictate station. The dictate sta-tions are often located remotely from the dictation recorder. There-fore, each dictate station in the dictation system must be pro-vided a set of controls with which to control the operation of the dlctation recorder while the operator at the dictate station is recording.
The initiation of control inputs at the dictate station have generally been accomplished by the operation of mechanical switches. The mechanical switches tend to fatigue the operator during the dictation of lengthy material since they often require the constant application of pressure to keep the switch closed.
Additionally, the mechanical switches may be expensive, add in-creased weight to the handset and be prone to malfunction as a re-sult of excessive wear or the presence of foreign materials, such as dust or dirt, in the switch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ~ :
The present invention replaces the mechanical control -~
switches of the prior art dictate stations with electrical contact switches on the handset. Thus, it is one object of the present invention to provide a control switching circuit which does not include mechanical switches, but is electrically responsive to the touch of the operator at the dictate station.
." .. . . . . . .
10~334~9 The invention in one broad aspect pertains to a dicta-tion system including a dictation recorder having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation and a dictate station from which the dictation recorder can be controlled by an operator.
The improved control system includes first input switch means haviny a first contact surface and a second contact surface elec-trically isolated from the first contact surface for pro~viding a first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of the operator between the first contact surface and the second contact surface., Second input switch means are provided which have a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface elec-trically isolated from the thlrd contact surface for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of the operator between the third contact surface and the fourth contact surface. First comparator means provide a first digital signal in response to the first input voltage and second com-parator means provide a second digital signal in response to the second input voltage. Decoder driver means operatively inter-connect with the first comparator means and the second comparator means and the dictation recorder for placing the dictation recorder in the first mode of operation in response to the first digital signal, for placing the dictation recorder in the second mode of operation in response to the,second digital signal and for rendering the dictation recorder inoperative in response to the concurrent presence of the first digital signal and the second digital signal.
The control switch apparatus of the invention does not fatigue the operator over extended periods of operation, is small in size and weight, and is not prone to malfunction because,of 0 either excessive wear or the presence of foreign materials, such ,. ~
~B : ~ :
.. . . . ... . ~ . . . ~. . .; .... .
. -.. , . . , . .. ... . .. . .... . ~ . .. . ... . .
- 10~3~4~19 as dust or dirt, in the switch apparatus.
These and other objects and advantages of the presellt invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the touch button control switch apparatus;
Fig. 2 is a side view of a handset incorporating a first alternative embodiment of the touch button control switch ;:
apparatus;
Fig. 3 is a top view of a handset incorporating the .
. first alternative embodiment of the touch button control switch .
apparatus; and Fig. 4 is a.section view of a touch button des.cribed in connection with a second alternative embodiment of the touch .
button control switch apparatus. . -DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
.
The alternative embodiments of the present invention use a variety of -touch-sensitive control buttolls.
~"`` ' ' ~ .
.
. .
',. . ''". " ' '". ' . '.' ',':'' ': . ', :' 4~9 _ In general, the touch-sQnsitive control buttons are constructed of two separate contact surfaces ~hich are I separated from each other by an insulative material. Each ¦ of the contact surfaces is electrically connected to an ¦ electrical control circuit, a p.eferred embodiment of which I will be described more fully below. Tne toucn-sensitive ¦ control buttons are operated by the electrical connection of a conductor having a limi.ed internal resistance between the t~70 contact surfaces of the touch-sensitive control button. In this manner the touch-sensitive control button may be operated by the touching of the two contact surfaces ¦ by an operator. The body of the operator acts as a~
! conductor having a limited internal resistance and it ¦ provides an electrical connection bet~een the t~o contact ¦ surfaces of the touch-sensitive control button. ~`
¦ Reerring -first to the alternative types of ¦ touch-sensitive control buttons and the alternative methods of mounting the touch-sensitive control buttons on the I handset, Figs. 2 and 3 sho~ side and top vie~s of a handset 20 for a dictate station. A plurality of indentations 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a and 23b are shown in Figs. 2 ~and 3.
Centrally located in each of the indentations is one o the contact surfaces 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b, respectively. The contact surfaces are each surrounded by a collar or sleeve of insulative material 28a, 28b, 29a, 29b, 30a and 30~, respectively. As will be more fully described below, a second contact surEace 27 may provide a common second contact sur~ace for all of the touch-sensitive con-rol tUttons 2~a, 2~'.b, 25a, 25b, 26D e~nd ~1 !l :`-,, . ~
. .
.
I1 108;~4~;19 i ¦l 2~b. The function o~ each of these touch-sensitive control buttons will be described more fully belo~.
Referring notJ to Fig. 4, an alternative l e~bodiment of the touch-sensitive control ~uttons is shown.
In the alternative embodiment of the touch-sensitlve ¦ control button, each o, the touch-sensitive control buttons has a sepaeate second contact surface and no common second contact surface is provided. Thus, each touch-sensitive control button has a central core 40 made from a conductive material surrounded by a sleeve 41 of insulative material~
The central core conductor 40 provides the first contact surface for the touch-sensitive control button. Surrounding the insulating sleeve 41 is a second sleeve 42 which is made of a conductive material and which provides the second ~5 contact surface for the touch-sensitive control button.
With reference to Fig. 2, the touch-sensitive control buttons, whether of the design shown in Fig. 2 or of the design shown in Fig. 4, which are located in the indentations 21a and 21b are the touch-sensitive control 20 I buttons which provide a reverse control signal to the dictation recorder 120. The touch-sensitive control buttons located in the indentations 25a and 25b are the touch-sensitive control buttons which cause a listen control output to be provided to the recorder 120. The 25 l touch-sensitive control buttons located in indentation 23a and 23b (not shown) are the touch-sensitive control buttons which provide a record or dictate control output to the dictation recorder 120. It will be understood by those ¦ skilled in the art that the operator of a dictate system at . 11 .' ' ;'' '. "'' ,, .
1, , .' ~~0834a9 _ I a remote dictate station may be provided wi.h the ¦~ capability for controlling a plurality o~ functions other I than those described above. The present invention is not ¦ limited to control of the normal functions, but ma~ be used ¦ to provide a control output from a dictate station for all ¦ of the many ~unctions and capabilities of a modern ¦ dictation system. These ~unctions and capabilities ¦ include, but are not limited to, intercom functions and the ¦ recording of instruction marks and end of dictation marks.
¦The touch-sensitive control buttons located i~
I each OL the indentations are electrically connected in ¦ parallel so that the operation of either of the ¦ touch-sensitive control buttons associated with a particular function control output will cause the desired control output. Therefore, with reference to the ¦ touch-sensitive control button inputs 24, ?5 and 26 shown in the sc'nematic diagram oE Fig. 1, the inputs from the ¦ first contact surfaces of the touch-sellsitive control ~buttons 2ga, 24b, 25a, 25b, 26a and 26b related to each I particular func~ion will be simply represented as inputs
2~, 25 and 26. ~dditionally, the second -contact surfaces ¦ wlll all show a com~on voltage level and therefore will be l represented as the com~Uon contact surEace 27 in the ¦ schema.ic drawing shown in Fig. 1, even though tihere mav ¦ actually be a physical pluralit~ of such common contac.
surfaces 41 each associated with a single touch sensitive l control button as described above. However, it will be i understood that the operation of either of the touch-sensitive control buttons related to a particular 6 r ' ~ "
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' ' ' . ' ' . . , ' , " ' ',, ' . . ' ~ ' . . ' . :: ,' .
~ , ', ; ,, ' ; , 33~
_ ~, function ~ill provicle the input associated with that function in the sc'nematic drawing of Fig. 1. ~ I
Re~erring now to Fig. 1, the first contact _ -surface 2~ provides a reverse control input. The first contact surface 25 provides a listen control input. The first contact surface 26 provides a dictate control input.
The common second contact surface for the touch sensitive control buttons shown in the first embodi~ent provides an input 27. ~s may be seen from Fig. 1, an open circuit exists between each of the first contact surfaces 24, 25, and 26 and the second contact surface 27. The voltage at the second contact surrace in this preferred embodiment is the higher voltage provided by the power supply at the dictate station (not shown). The first control surfaces 1~ 24, 25 and 25 are shown as being connected to a ground state through the resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively.
A voltage divider circuit consisting of the resistors 104 and 105 is also shown in Fig. 1. The ~ resistors 104 and 105 are connected in series across the ;20 voltage of the power supply in the dictate station. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the voltage on the line between the resistances 10~ and 105 will be proportional to the voltage of the power supply in a ratio dictated by the res~ective values of the resistances 104 ~25 and 105.
The voltage in the voltage divider circuit between the resistances 104 and 105 provides a reference voltage for a comparison circuit. Tnus, the voltage in the ¦ voltage divider circuit between the resistorc; 10~ ancl 105 ...
. .
.. ... . .. ~ ............ . ...
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.... ... . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . ... . . . . . .
;34~9 I provides reEèrence voltage for the analog voltage com~arators 101, 102 and 103. ~s ~ill be understood by those skilled in the art, an analog voltage com2arator I compares a reference voltage with an input voltage and 5 ¦ depending upon the result of the comp~rison provides eithec a high or a low digital output. The high or low digital output corresponds to a logical one or logical zero.
The analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 also have inputs from each of the handset control inputs 24, 25 and 26. Thus, the analog voltase comparator 101 has an input voltage from the handset input 24. The analog voltage comparator 102 has an input voltage from the handset control input 25. The analog voltage comparator 103 has an input voltage from the handset control input 26.
As has been described above, the control inputs 24, 25 and 26 are connected in series with the resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively. As will be more fully described below, the resistors 106, 107 and 108 will also have a voltage divider effect when the respoctive control inputs 2~, 25 and 26 are individually connected with the second contact surface 27. As ~7ill also be more full~-described below, the contact between the first contact surfaces 24, 25 and 26 and the second contact sur~ce 27 will cause the handset input voltages at the analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 to go above the reference voltage set by the voltage divider of resistors 104 and 105. Thus, when any one of the handset control inputs 24, 25 or 26 experiences a sufficient change in voltage, the ¦ approprinte an210g volta3e compar~'or lOL, 102 or 103 "
. 11 , . . ' '','' ~8348~
I' ~ ., _ ~ provi~e a logical one co~trol output.
Before the respective analog voltase comparators 101, 102 or 103 have gone from the zero state to the ! logical one state, the resistors 115, 116, 117, respectively, provide a return electrical path to the power supply potential for the relatively lot~ voltage comparator outputs. ~he resistors 112, 113 and 114, respectively, provide a means for maintaining the low voltage level at the inputs to the analog voltage co~parators 101, 102 and 103. Thus, the analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 are prevented from unintentionally going from the logical zero to the logical one state.
As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, the operation of an analog -voltage comparator introduces a current drain on the inputs to the analo~
voltage comparator. Resistors 112, 113 and 114 are provided to sup~lement the current flow from the handset voltage inputs 24t 25 and 26 once the respective analog voltage co~parator 101, 102 or 103 has gone from a logical - zero to a logical one output. The resistors 112, 113 and 11~ thereby increase the hysterisis characteristics of the ¦¦ analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 after the output fro~ the respective analog voltage comparators has , gone to the logical one condition.
Additionally, capacitors 109, 110 and 111 are provided in parallel with resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively. The purpose for the capacitors 109, 110 and 111 is to filter noise components fro~ tne handset input vol,ages 24, 25 and 26, respectively.
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_ l The digital outputs frorn analos voltage com?arators 101, 102 and 103 provide inputs to a binaLy I coded decimal-to-decimal decoder 118. The BC~ to decimal I decoder 118 provides a control output to ~ dictate station ¦ voltage sensitive control system 119 throug`n a plurality of ¦ drivers 120, 121 and 122. Tne BCD to decimal decoder 118 ¦ performs the function of preventing the simultaneous ¦ transmission of conflicting control outputs to the ¦ voltage-sensitive control system 119 to be described belo~.
10 ¦ This result is achieved by connecting only those outputs of the BCD to decimal decoder which are responsive to the ¦ presence of a digital input having a single "one" in the ¦ binary input e.g., 0001, 0010, 0100, 1000, to the ¦ voltage-sensitive control system. Tnus, the presence of 15 I more than a single one in the binary input from the analog I comparators 101, 102 and 103 will cause the BCD to decimal r;' ¦ decoder 110 to provide an output which is not connected to the voltage-sensitive control system 119. Therefore, the ¦ voltage sensitive control system 119 will not be enabled to I cause the transmission of conflicting control outputs to ¦ the recorder 120.
As stated above, the purpose of the decoder 118 ; ~
is to prevent the simultaneous provision of more than one -Il-digital comparator output. There~ore, it will be l understood by those skilIed in the art that any means for , ` I
accomplishing this object may be substituted for the decoder 118. Such substitute devices include, but are not limited to, other di~3ital decoclers having more or less than ¦l ten outputs or digital decod~rs sllch a~ g~ey decoders. ~ -' 10'' ' ."
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834~9 . ,, .
¦i The voltage-sensitive control system 119 may be l of the type shown in U. S. Patent ~io. 3,569,7~1, assigned ¦ to Lanier Electronic Laboratory, Inc., which is ¦ incorporated hereln by reference. Once the correct input ¦ is received, the voltage sensitive control system 119 ¦ causes the approporiate controls in the recorder 120 to be ¦ operated to place the recorder in the dictate, forward or ¦ reverse mode of operation.
¦ It will now be understood by those s~illed in the IO art that the alternative embodiments of the presen' invention which have been disclosed above fulfill the objects of the invention by providing a control switch apparatus for use in a dictate station which may be operated by a dictate station operator merely by makins ¦ contact with the switch apparatus and without the need to continuously exert pressure. ~loreover, the switch I apparatus described in the alternative embodiments is small ¦ in size and weight and is not as subject to the wear or to ~ the presence of dust and dirt as mechanical switches. It ?O I will be understood that obvious modifications may be made ¦ to the disclosed alternative embodiments ~ithout departing ¦ from tne scope of the present invention. The scope of the ¦ present invention is limited solely by reference to the ?5 appended claims.
. '~' '. ' ~'"~' '"' 11 ~ r ~
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surfaces 41 each associated with a single touch sensitive l control button as described above. However, it will be i understood that the operation of either of the touch-sensitive control buttons related to a particular 6 r ' ~ "
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' ' ' . ' ' . . , ' , " ' ',, ' . . ' ~ ' . . ' . :: ,' .
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_ ~, function ~ill provicle the input associated with that function in the sc'nematic drawing of Fig. 1. ~ I
Re~erring now to Fig. 1, the first contact _ -surface 2~ provides a reverse control input. The first contact surface 25 provides a listen control input. The first contact surface 26 provides a dictate control input.
The common second contact surface for the touch sensitive control buttons shown in the first embodi~ent provides an input 27. ~s may be seen from Fig. 1, an open circuit exists between each of the first contact surfaces 24, 25, and 26 and the second contact surface 27. The voltage at the second contact surrace in this preferred embodiment is the higher voltage provided by the power supply at the dictate station (not shown). The first control surfaces 1~ 24, 25 and 25 are shown as being connected to a ground state through the resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively.
A voltage divider circuit consisting of the resistors 104 and 105 is also shown in Fig. 1. The ~ resistors 104 and 105 are connected in series across the ;20 voltage of the power supply in the dictate station. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the voltage on the line between the resistances 10~ and 105 will be proportional to the voltage of the power supply in a ratio dictated by the res~ective values of the resistances 104 ~25 and 105.
The voltage in the voltage divider circuit between the resistances 104 and 105 provides a reference voltage for a comparison circuit. Tnus, the voltage in the ¦ voltage divider circuit between the resistorc; 10~ ancl 105 ...
. .
.. ... . .. ~ ............ . ...
... ... ...
.. . . . . . . . ... .
; ... .. . .. ;
.... ... . . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . ... . . . . . .
;34~9 I provides reEèrence voltage for the analog voltage com~arators 101, 102 and 103. ~s ~ill be understood by those skilled in the art, an analog voltage com2arator I compares a reference voltage with an input voltage and 5 ¦ depending upon the result of the comp~rison provides eithec a high or a low digital output. The high or low digital output corresponds to a logical one or logical zero.
The analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 also have inputs from each of the handset control inputs 24, 25 and 26. Thus, the analog voltase comparator 101 has an input voltage from the handset input 24. The analog voltage comparator 102 has an input voltage from the handset control input 25. The analog voltage comparator 103 has an input voltage from the handset control input 26.
As has been described above, the control inputs 24, 25 and 26 are connected in series with the resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively. As will be more fully described below, the resistors 106, 107 and 108 will also have a voltage divider effect when the respoctive control inputs 2~, 25 and 26 are individually connected with the second contact surface 27. As ~7ill also be more full~-described below, the contact between the first contact surfaces 24, 25 and 26 and the second contact sur~ce 27 will cause the handset input voltages at the analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 to go above the reference voltage set by the voltage divider of resistors 104 and 105. Thus, when any one of the handset control inputs 24, 25 or 26 experiences a sufficient change in voltage, the ¦ approprinte an210g volta3e compar~'or lOL, 102 or 103 "
. 11 , . . ' '','' ~8348~
I' ~ ., _ ~ provi~e a logical one co~trol output.
Before the respective analog voltase comparators 101, 102 or 103 have gone from the zero state to the ! logical one state, the resistors 115, 116, 117, respectively, provide a return electrical path to the power supply potential for the relatively lot~ voltage comparator outputs. ~he resistors 112, 113 and 114, respectively, provide a means for maintaining the low voltage level at the inputs to the analog voltage co~parators 101, 102 and 103. Thus, the analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 are prevented from unintentionally going from the logical zero to the logical one state.
As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, the operation of an analog -voltage comparator introduces a current drain on the inputs to the analo~
voltage comparator. Resistors 112, 113 and 114 are provided to sup~lement the current flow from the handset voltage inputs 24t 25 and 26 once the respective analog voltage co~parator 101, 102 or 103 has gone from a logical - zero to a logical one output. The resistors 112, 113 and 11~ thereby increase the hysterisis characteristics of the ¦¦ analog voltage comparators 101, 102 and 103 after the output fro~ the respective analog voltage comparators has , gone to the logical one condition.
Additionally, capacitors 109, 110 and 111 are provided in parallel with resistors 106, 107 and 108, respectively. The purpose for the capacitors 109, 110 and 111 is to filter noise components fro~ tne handset input vol,ages 24, 25 and 26, respectively.
I, ' ~.
i . ':'',' . :., .
:' ., . ., ~', . ~' . .
, .
"'1,````
_ l The digital outputs frorn analos voltage com?arators 101, 102 and 103 provide inputs to a binaLy I coded decimal-to-decimal decoder 118. The BC~ to decimal I decoder 118 provides a control output to ~ dictate station ¦ voltage sensitive control system 119 throug`n a plurality of ¦ drivers 120, 121 and 122. Tne BCD to decimal decoder 118 ¦ performs the function of preventing the simultaneous ¦ transmission of conflicting control outputs to the ¦ voltage-sensitive control system 119 to be described belo~.
10 ¦ This result is achieved by connecting only those outputs of the BCD to decimal decoder which are responsive to the ¦ presence of a digital input having a single "one" in the ¦ binary input e.g., 0001, 0010, 0100, 1000, to the ¦ voltage-sensitive control system. Tnus, the presence of 15 I more than a single one in the binary input from the analog I comparators 101, 102 and 103 will cause the BCD to decimal r;' ¦ decoder 110 to provide an output which is not connected to the voltage-sensitive control system 119. Therefore, the ¦ voltage sensitive control system 119 will not be enabled to I cause the transmission of conflicting control outputs to ¦ the recorder 120.
As stated above, the purpose of the decoder 118 ; ~
is to prevent the simultaneous provision of more than one -Il-digital comparator output. There~ore, it will be l understood by those skilIed in the art that any means for , ` I
accomplishing this object may be substituted for the decoder 118. Such substitute devices include, but are not limited to, other di~3ital decoclers having more or less than ¦l ten outputs or digital decod~rs sllch a~ g~ey decoders. ~ -' 10'' ' ."
.' ~, , .
. '~ ..
' ` . ` , ' . ,~, :', ' ` . ' `: ~ . ' , ' ... ' :
834~9 . ,, .
¦i The voltage-sensitive control system 119 may be l of the type shown in U. S. Patent ~io. 3,569,7~1, assigned ¦ to Lanier Electronic Laboratory, Inc., which is ¦ incorporated hereln by reference. Once the correct input ¦ is received, the voltage sensitive control system 119 ¦ causes the approporiate controls in the recorder 120 to be ¦ operated to place the recorder in the dictate, forward or ¦ reverse mode of operation.
¦ It will now be understood by those s~illed in the IO art that the alternative embodiments of the presen' invention which have been disclosed above fulfill the objects of the invention by providing a control switch apparatus for use in a dictate station which may be operated by a dictate station operator merely by makins ¦ contact with the switch apparatus and without the need to continuously exert pressure. ~loreover, the switch I apparatus described in the alternative embodiments is small ¦ in size and weight and is not as subject to the wear or to ~ the presence of dust and dirt as mechanical switches. It ?O I will be understood that obvious modifications may be made ¦ to the disclosed alternative embodiments ~ithout departing ¦ from tne scope of the present invention. The scope of the ¦ present invention is limited solely by reference to the ?5 appended claims.
. '~' '. ' ~'"~' '"' 11 ~ r ~
', . . ., ~ ~ .:,.,
Claims (5)
1. A dictation system including a dictation recorder having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, a dictate station from which said dictation recorder can be controlled by an operator, wherein the improvement is a control system comprising:
first input switch means having a first contact surface and a second contact surface electrically isolated from said first contact surface for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
second input switch means having a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface electrically isolated from said third contact surface for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
first comparator means for providing a first digital signal in response to said first input voltage;
second comparator means for providing a second digital signal in response to said second input voltage;
decoder driver means operatively interconnected with said first comparator means and said second comparator means and said dictation recorder for placing said dictation recorder in said first mode of operation in response to said first digital signal, placing said dictation recorder in said second mode of operation in response to said second digital signal and rendering said dictation recorder inoperative in response to the concurrent presence of said first digital signal and said second digital signal.
2. A dictation system including a dictation recorder having first and second modes of operation and a dictate station from which said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder may be controlled by an operator, wherein the improvement comprises a control switch apparatus for use in said dictate station by said operator for controlling said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder from said dictate station, comprising:
a first input voltage means for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said first input voltage means with said operator;
said first input voltage means including a first contact surface having a first voltage, a second contact surface separated from said first contact surface by an insulating material and having-a second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said first and second contact surfaces to said first input voltage in response to the electrical inter-position of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
a second input voltage means for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said second input voltage means with said operator; said second input voltage means including a third contact surface having a third voltage, a fourth contact surface separated from said third contact surface by an insulating material and
first input switch means having a first contact surface and a second contact surface electrically isolated from said first contact surface for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
second input switch means having a third contact surface and a fourth contact surface electrically isolated from said third contact surface for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
first comparator means for providing a first digital signal in response to said first input voltage;
second comparator means for providing a second digital signal in response to said second input voltage;
decoder driver means operatively interconnected with said first comparator means and said second comparator means and said dictation recorder for placing said dictation recorder in said first mode of operation in response to said first digital signal, placing said dictation recorder in said second mode of operation in response to said second digital signal and rendering said dictation recorder inoperative in response to the concurrent presence of said first digital signal and said second digital signal.
2. A dictation system including a dictation recorder having first and second modes of operation and a dictate station from which said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder may be controlled by an operator, wherein the improvement comprises a control switch apparatus for use in said dictate station by said operator for controlling said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder from said dictate station, comprising:
a first input voltage means for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said first input voltage means with said operator;
said first input voltage means including a first contact surface having a first voltage, a second contact surface separated from said first contact surface by an insulating material and having-a second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said first and second contact surfaces to said first input voltage in response to the electrical inter-position of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
a second input voltage means for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said second input voltage means with said operator; said second input voltage means including a third contact surface having a third voltage, a fourth contact surface separated from said third contact surface by an insulating material and
Claim 2 continued...
having a fourth voltage; and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said third and fourth contact surfaces to said second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
a reference voltage means for providing a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage;
a first analog voltage comparison means for comparing said first input voltage with said first reference voltage and for providing a first digital output in response to said first input voltage and said first reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a second analog voltage comparison means for comparing said second input voltage with said second reference voltage and for providing a second digital output in response to said second input voltage and said second reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a control signal means:
for providing said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a first control signal to cause said dictation-recorder to be operated in said first mode of operation;
for providing said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a second control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said second mode of operation;
and for preventing said first control output and said second control output from being provided to said dictation recorder simultaneously in response to the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
having a fourth voltage; and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said third and fourth contact surfaces to said second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
a reference voltage means for providing a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage;
a first analog voltage comparison means for comparing said first input voltage with said first reference voltage and for providing a first digital output in response to said first input voltage and said first reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a second analog voltage comparison means for comparing said second input voltage with said second reference voltage and for providing a second digital output in response to said second input voltage and said second reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a control signal means:
for providing said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a first control signal to cause said dictation-recorder to be operated in said first mode of operation;
for providing said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a second control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said second mode of operation;
and for preventing said first control output and said second control output from being provided to said dictation recorder simultaneously in response to the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
3. A dictation system as recited in Claim 2 wherein said control signal means includes a decoder wherein:
a first control output is provided to cause said dictation recorder to be placed in said first mode of operation in response to the input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means without the simultaneous input of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means;
a second control output is provided to cause said dictation recorder to be placed in said second mode of operation in response to the input of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means without the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means; and no control output is provided to the recorder in response to the simultaneous presence of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
a first control output is provided to cause said dictation recorder to be placed in said first mode of operation in response to the input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means without the simultaneous input of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means;
a second control output is provided to cause said dictation recorder to be placed in said second mode of operation in response to the input of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means without the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means; and no control output is provided to the recorder in response to the simultaneous presence of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
4. A dictation system as recited in Claim 2 wherein said first reference voltage provided by said reference voltage means is equal to said second reference voltage provided by said voltage reference means.
5. A dictation system including a dictation recorder having first and second modes of operation and a dictate station from which said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder may be controlled by an operator, wherein the improvement comprises a control Claim 5 continued...
switch apparatus for use in said dictate station by said operator recording dictation from said dictate station, for controlling said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder from said dictate station, comprising:
a first input voltage means for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said first input voltage means with said operator, including a first contact surface having a first voltage, a second contact surface separated from said first contact surface by an insulating material and having a second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said contact surfaces to said first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
a second input voltage means for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said second input voltage providing means with said operator, comprising a third contact surface having said first voltage, a fourth contact surface separated from said third contact surface by an insulating material and having said second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said contact surfaces to said second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
a first reference voltage means for providing a first reference voltage;
5. A dictation system including a dictation recorder having first and second modes of operation and a dictate station from which said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder may be controlled by an operator, wherein the improvement comprises a control Claim 5 continued...
switch apparatus for use in said dictate station by said operator recording dictation from said dictate station, for controlling said first and second modes of operation of said dictation recorder from said dictate station, comprising:
a first input voltage means for providing a first input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said first input voltage means with said operator, including a first contact surface having a first voltage, a second contact surface separated from said first contact surface by an insulating material and having a second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said contact surfaces to said first input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said first contact surface and said second contact surface;
a second input voltage means for providing a second input voltage in response to the electrical contact of said second input voltage providing means with said operator, comprising a third contact surface having said first voltage, a fourth contact surface separated from said third contact surface by an insulating material and having said second voltage, and a means for changing the voltage of at least one of said contact surfaces to said second input voltage in response to the electrical interposition of said operator between said third contact surface and said fourth contact surface;
a first reference voltage means for providing a first reference voltage;
Claim 5 continued...
a second reference voltage means for providing a second reference voltage;
a first analog voltage comparison means for comparing said first input voltage with said first reference voltage and for providing a first digital output in response to said first input voltage and said first reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a second analog voltage comparison means for comparing said second input voltage with said second reference voltage and for providing a second digital output in response to said second input voltage and said second reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a control signal means;
for providing said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a first control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said first mode of operation;
for providing said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a second control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said second mode of operation; and for preventing said first control output and said second control output from being provided to said dictation recorder simultaneously in response to the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
a second reference voltage means for providing a second reference voltage;
a first analog voltage comparison means for comparing said first input voltage with said first reference voltage and for providing a first digital output in response to said first input voltage and said first reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a second analog voltage comparison means for comparing said second input voltage with said second reference voltage and for providing a second digital output in response to said second input voltage and said second reference voltage being in a predetermined relationship;
a control signal means;
for providing said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a first control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said first mode of operation;
for providing said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means to said dictation recorder as a second control signal to cause said dictation recorder to be operated in said second mode of operation; and for preventing said first control output and said second control output from being provided to said dictation recorder simultaneously in response to the simultaneous input of said first digital output from said first analog voltage comparison means and of said second digital output from said second analog voltage comparison means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US782,894 | 1977-03-30 | ||
| US05/782,894 US4121060A (en) | 1977-03-30 | 1977-03-30 | Touch button switch for dictation handset |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1083489A true CA1083489A (en) | 1980-08-12 |
Family
ID=25127522
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA299,361A Expired CA1083489A (en) | 1977-03-30 | 1978-03-21 | Touch button switch for dictation handset |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4121060A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1083489A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5791155U (en) * | 1980-11-26 | 1982-06-04 | ||
| US4677658A (en) * | 1983-03-09 | 1987-06-30 | Kolodny Gerald M | Remote dictating apparatus |
| US5867793A (en) * | 1995-07-20 | 1999-02-02 | Davis; Eddie | Built-in, cellular telephone message recorder |
| US6529450B1 (en) | 1998-08-03 | 2003-03-04 | Dictaphone Corporation | Hand microphone interfaced to game controller port of personal computer |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1282089B (en) * | 1965-07-13 | 1968-11-07 | Sennheiser Electronic | Hand-held microphone for dictation devices, whose operating status is switched via the capacity of the operator's hand |
| DE1487483B2 (en) * | 1966-10-29 | 1971-10-28 | Sennheiser electronic Dr.-Ing. Fritz Sennheiser, 3002 Bissendorf | HAND MICROPHONE WITH SWITCHING ELECTRODES |
| NL6916311A (en) * | 1968-12-18 | 1970-06-22 | ||
| US3712961A (en) * | 1970-06-08 | 1973-01-23 | Lonier Electronic Labor Inc | Endless tape recorder-transcriber dictation system control |
-
1977
- 1977-03-30 US US05/782,894 patent/US4121060A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1978
- 1978-03-21 CA CA299,361A patent/CA1083489A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4121060A (en) | 1978-10-17 |
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